16 Jan High-tech center for cutting-edge research in optics and photonics
The Karlsruhe Center for Optics and Photonics (KCOP) will be the new technology center of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with a research focus on optical and photonic technologies. The roofing ceremony for the new building was celebrated on December 1, 2023.
State-of-the-art equipment for interdisciplinary teams
The research topics will range from renewable energies, novel communication technologies and quantum devices to life sciences, digital fabrication on the nanoscale and customized materials. “Our technologies are essential components of the energy transition, digitalization and networking or data recording in industry and science,” says Christian Koos, Professor at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Electronics and the Institute of Microstructure Technology at KIT and Scientific Director of the KCOP. Excellent laboratory conditions and excellent laboratory equipment are therefore necessary for cutting-edge research in these fields, emphasizes Koos.
According to the KIT, the clean rooms available at various institutes have so far been small and in some cases outdated. The KCOP will therefore set new standards and utilize synergies. “From 2026, research groups will be able to use an internationally outstanding technology platform with around 2,000 square meters of clean room and laboratory space as well as a pool of equipment that can be operated more efficiently thanks to shared use,” explains Koos. He also finds it particularly interesting that researchers from different disciplines can meet and exchange ideas under one roof at KCOP: “KCOP will spark a whole new interdisciplinary dynamic,” says Koos. The technology center is mainly available to KIT institutes, but external research groups will also be able to work there.
The new cleanrooms will partially replace the cleanrooms previously spread across various institutes. Image: Sandra Göttisheim, KIT
Sustainable building technology
According to KIT, care was taken during the planning stage to achieve the silver standard in the ‘Assessment System for Sustainable Building’ of the German Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction, emphasizes Dr. Lothar Hahn, project manager at KCOP. Special measures include ensuring that the building is highly airtight, comprises highly efficient heat recovery and that recycled and environmentally friendly building materials are applied. The waste heat from another large-scale experiment near the site will also be used to heat the building.
The Helmholtz Association is funding the new building with around 50 million euros, with a further six million coming from KIT. According to the partners, the construction site is on schedule and on budget. The inauguration is planned for early 2026.
Source and image: www.kit.edu
